“What an incredible honor,’’ Wuerffel said. “To be included in this is a tremendous honor for me. It’s also fun. We all love celebrations. There’s a part of this that is just fun. I called my wife and she is just ecstatic on the phone.

“When I think about it, I get connected to the emotions of playing college football, of playing for Coach Spurrier. For this to happen, there are so many countless other people that played a part. I’m really moved and thankful what college football has meant in my life.”

Wuerffel led the Gators to their first national championship in 1996 and is one of three Heisman winners in Florida history along with Spurrier and former Gators quarterback Tim Tebow.

“I couldn’t be happier to hear that Danny has been selected as an inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame. To say it is a deserving honor would be an understatement,’’ Florida Athletic Director Jeremy Foley said. “He is one of the best ever to put on a Gator uniform and will be always remembered as such.

“He will be remembered just as much, if not more, for the type of individual he is – he is truly a great person. We are proud of him and look forward to celebrating this honor with him and the entire Gator Nation.”

Gators coach Will Muschamp played against Spurrier as a safety at Georgia. In Muschamp’s first spring game at UF in 2011, UF unveiled bronze statues of Spurrier, Wuerffel and Tebow outside Ben Hill Griffin Stadium.

“Danny is certainly one of the all-time Gator Greats and I’m very excited to hear that he has been announced as a inductee to the College Football Hall of Fame,’’ Muschamp said. “As a defensive coach I’ve always had a high regard of him as a player, but after I’ve had a chance to spend some time with him, I have even a higher regard for him as a person. He is one of the most humble, honest and genuinely giving people I have ever met.”